Page 27 of Feels Like Home
"And what did you say?"
"He didn't give me much choice. I told him I'd speak to you and put some feelers out. He was one step away from dropping to his knees and begging for help. He'd already hugged me, so I had to do something to prevent that from happening again."
"Shit." I wipe my hands on a napkin. "What am I supposed to do?"
Court shrugs. "I could go back to him. Let him down easy. Say I sniffed around like he asked me to, but you said you're not ready to date anyone. That way it's not personal, and it won't make things awkward for him around you."
"You'd do that for me?"
He leans across the table and plants his chicken-stew-dripping hand on top of mine. "I'd do anything for you, Buzz."
"Be sure to let him down gently, Court.Please."
He looks like he's going to make some sort of joke, but when he sees my face he decides against it. "Okay. Fine. I promise I'll let him down. Gently."
16
Courtland
I would do anything for Buzz, andthis, I'll do gladly.
Step one: tell Zane Buzz isn't interested in him romantically.
Gently.
Pfft, I'll try my best, but I can't guarantee anything. Zane's reaction isn't something I can control, but I'll be sure to speak slowly and clearly so he gets it the first time and I'm not forced to prolong the situation.
Getting that out of the way will clear the way for step two: finally telling Buzz how I feel about him.
The bell above the door jangles as Zane bustles in, bringing a rush of cold air behind him. Grant, the diner owner, snaps at him to close the door. I hide my smile behind my grilled cheese sandwich as Zane spots me, orders something at the counter, and scurries over.
"Hey. How's it going?" he asks, sitting down, untying his scarf, and taking off his beanie. Long strands of dark-blond hair cascade onto his shoulders. He points at my plate and grins. "Great minds."
"Excuse me?"
"Here's your sandwich," Grant says, dropping it on the table in his customary gruff manner. "You guys want anything else?"
"I'm all good," I say around a cheesy mouthful.
He walks off before the other guy can answer. Zane's demeanor shifts, and he looks genuinely sad. I'm already about to deliver some bad news to him, so I throw him a bone.
"Don't take it personally," I say. "Grant's wife, Debbie, died at the start of the year. He's still grieving."
"Oh, shit. I had no idea." Zane takes a few bites and looks at me expectantly.
Guess he's waiting for me to give him the update I promised when I texted.
"So, I talked to Buzz the other night."
"About me?"
"About…dating in general."
He drops his sandwich onto the plate and leans forward. "And?"
"And he's not ready. I'm sorry. He's still processing the breakup with Cameron, and he's busy at work. He's only just gotten rid of Howie, and now I've moved in. I think he's happy with you guys just being friends."
There. Gentle…right?
